Hark! The Herald Angels Sing is an English Christmas carol from the collection Hymns and Sacred Poems (1739). It is based on Luke 2:13-14, “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.’”
Charles Wesley (1707-1788) wrote Hymn for Christmas Day with the opening lines, “Hark! How all the Welkin (meaning heaven) rings, ‘Glory to the King of Kings.’” George Whitefield (1714-1779) changed the lines to today's familiar lyric, "Hark! The herald angels sing, 'Glory to the new-born King.’”
In 1855, William Hayman Cummings adapted a tune from Felix Mendelssohn’s Festgesang (a non-religious cantata) to fit the lyrics of Wesley’s carol. Originally, Charles Wesley used the same tune as his Easter hymn, Christ the Lord is Risen Today.
When herald was first used in English, in the early 14th century, it referred to an official at a Middle Ages tournament for knights. The herald's duties included making announcements and the marshaling of combatants. Later on, a herald described an officer with the status of ambassador, acting as official messenger between leaders, especially during wartime. Eventually, any messenger bringing official news was called a herald. A herald is also one that precedes or foreshadows someone or something. John the Baptist was a herald for the Christ. Swiftly moving darkening clouds are the heralds of a coming storm.
Herald came into English from the Old French word herault, borrowed from Germanic origins. Herald is a variation on the name Chariovalda, a 1st century leader of a Germanic tribe living in the lower Rhine area. Harold is the modern form of Chariovalda.
The verb herald can mean to announce, to greet with enthusiasm, to publicize, and to signal the approach of something or someone. Hot weather is often heralded by a shift of the wind in the summertime. Doctors in Australia are heralding a new drug for colon cancer. The technology heralded a new age of computer processor speed. The Princess Ball is a highly heralded event in Moose Jaw.
Forerunner, precursor, harbinger, and herald mean one that goes before or announces the coming of another person or thing.
Forerunner is applicable to anything that serves as a sign or presage. The blockade of the main port was a forerunner of the war.
Precursor applies to a person or thing paving the way for the success or accomplishment of another. John Lennon’s group, the Quarrymen, were the precursors of The Beatles.
Harbinger is one that figuratively proclaims or announces the coming or arrival of a notable event. Scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter was a harbinger of the Bill’s win Sunday night.
Herald announces and proclaims a notable person or event. Sir Alexander Fleming was a herald of a new age of medicine with the discovery of penicillin.
Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King:
peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies;
with th'angelic hosts proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Refrain: Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King"
Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord,
late in time behold him come, offspring of the Virgin's womb:
veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail th'incarnate Deity,
pleased with us in flesh to dwell, Jesus, our Immanuel. [Refrain]
Refrain: Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King"
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth.
Refrain: Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King"
